Audubon County Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Audubon Co., Iowa) 1885-1894, 1887-10-13
Personal Campaigning.

The educational interests of Audu-
bon county were never in such prosper
Gus condition as now. Never before
has there been attained such high per-
centage Of efficiency among teachers,
nor was there ever q time when pupils
made such rapid advancement. Prof.
Willcutt is student Of methods, and
those of modern usage and approved as
the best have been adopted and intro
duced into the administration of school
matters in this county, so far as prac-
ticable. In.making its fight upon the
superintendent, which is actuated by
a selfish purpose, the AdcocGte charges
that semi-annual examinations are ex-
acted, and that it is unnecessary and
causes the teachers unwarranted ex-
pense. Without questioning the ability
of an ex-superintendent who confesses
to having raised an institute fund of
but Sl3 to criticise or determine the
case, we will state that the semi
annual examination, as practiced, will
recommend itself to every one who has
the educational interests at heart.
Prof. Willcutt, as well as some other
superintendent in the state, has ex-
acted semi-annual examinations of
those who hold second class certificates
with the laudable purpose of encourag,
ing study for advancement and promo,
ton in their ranks. Every teacher
holding a second class certificate will
strive for the first hOnors and none are
more appreciative of the semi-annnal
opportunity to attain that honor than
the aspiring teachers. All first class
certificates are issued for one year. AS
to the al fee exacted for the examina,
ton, it is not eXorbitant, and going in,
to the institute fund, contributes to the
efficiency of the normal as it enables
the superintendent to employ the best
instructors.
The comment of the AdcocGte how,
ever, is unworthy of belief or attention
for the reason above stated, that it is
made for personal reasons, and in the
grossest spirit of unfairness. The edi
tor has approached much nearer the
truth in his published statements thar
in private conversation. Quite early il
the campaign, III c0nversihg with {
friend he charged the superintendent
with extravaganza, and stated that h,
paid Prof. Frost $40 per week, or 1922
| for his two weeks service in the in8ti
tute and said that Prof, SabiM, the re
publican candidate for state superin
tendcnt, could have been secured 70
that price. The gentlemen with whom
Carpenter was conycrsinG asked til
latter what Prof. Frost should receive
or what he was worth per week in tn
institute. Carpenter replied that Ii
was worth $50 per week. Carpente
knew that this charge made in urivat
would not stand the light Of the publ
prints; so, still determined on prefer
ring the charges of extravaganza h
states that $40 for two weeks was to
great a sum even though he had pr
: vate!y stated that Frost vas worth sc
per week.
1t comes as an irresistitia conviction
then, that the charges against the 4,
perintendent are based entirely upo
personal reasons, and at all hazard
without regards for the facts in IL
: case. The voters uf Audubon count
: will readily discern the animus, Ana :
). Duke such detestibie campaigning |
i re-electing a competent and superi'
r officer by an Increased majority.
The Blizzard, at Gray, followir
in the footsteps of its esteemed prot
o type, is making similar war upon Il
n republican candidate for auditor, NJ
Il w. II. Stowell. There is not any plau
l. ible excuse for such campaigning
IS Audubon county, and it will find !
e endorsement by the people, Mr., StO'
ell is young man of superior busine
ability, of genial nature and affat
v manners, and of moral character abo
< reproach. The fact that he has receive
d a nomination for an Office shonld n
k subject him 10 the diatribes of spit
E. full editor.
lc